Ever since a sixth grade field trip to a courthouse, Shekhinah Jay knew she was destined for a career in law, and she credits ILR with providing the academic foundation needed to reach her goal.

Originally attracted to ILR for both its reputation of providing top-notch law school preparation and its small size within an Ivy League university, Jay has found many rewarding opportunities within its walls. During nearly every summer and winter break, she has participated in internships where her ILR course work has come to life. At General Motors in Michigan, she interacted with workers on the production floor and participated in contract negotiations similar to those simulated in her collective bargaining classes. Legal research and writing skills learned in labor and employment law courses were key to Jay’s success in a Winter Internship Program (WISP) placement at Berke-Weiss & Pechman, the New York City law firm of ILR alumni Laurie Berke-Weiss ’71 and Louis Pechman ’79. Most recently, Jay interned in the Human Capital, Global Leadership, and Diversity division of Goldman Sachs. There she was involved in a variety of human resources projects, such as the creation of a program honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.

While the academic resources at Cornell are unmatched, Jay says that ILR’s success in creating a close-knit and supportive community is what makes the School truly special. In particular, she says that ILR’s Office of Student Services “knows everyone’s name and is like a second family,” a valuable resource for students away from home for the first time. She also likes that Dean Harry Katz maintains an open-door policy with students and always makes time to hear what is on their minds.

In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Jay has been involved in extracurricular and community activities throughout her time at Cornell. As the current president of the Minority ILR Student Organization (MILRSO), she leads the group’s efforts to provide preprofessional, academic, and social activities for minority ILR students. As the chair of public service for her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Jay organizes activities to link students with the Ithaca community. She also volunteers as a mentor for the Big Brother/Big Sister program and is creating a Double Dutch Program for local children at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center.

Jay’s strong academic record and community leadership have earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including membership in the Cornell Tradition, which recognizes excellence in academics and public service, and the Order of Omega, a Greek honor society. Jay, who graduates this spring, is applying to both jobs and law schools. She’s not sure yet whether she will go straight to law school or spend some time working first, but it’s clear that Jay will excel wherever she goes.

—ILR Connections, Winter 2006

See Also

• Shekhinah Jay beats the odds to excel at Cornell